Jr. Viqueens can't keep pace with MTC

CHAPEL HILL -- Coach Kevin Hinson and the gang started with a bang in the championship game of the World Tournament and for about eight minutes it looked as if Community Junior High would be huge upset winners over Middle Tennessee Christian Middle, but they were unable to keep the pace and eventually fell 47-24.

Community jumped out to an 8-2 lead with the help of a long 3-pointer by Kristen Ray and buckets by Megan Smith and Katie Leverette before three consecutive turnovers cost them the lead as the quarter concluded in an 8-all tie.

"I thought we had a couple of chances to get them down more than we had them, but we didn't take care of the ball as well as we would like," Hinson said. "After that little stretch we were never able to regain our composure enough to play at our pace instead of theirs."

Sydney Shadowens scored five points in the second and the Lady Cougar defense ran rampant against the Viqueen ballhandlers to create easy scoring opportunities on the other side of the court to take a 21-12 advantage at the half.

The Viqueens had only one field goal in the third quarter by Alex Bobo while all five starters got on the board for MTC to trail 32-17 as the horn sounded.

"Things got a bit out of hand for us after a good start but a lot of that has to do with MTCS having a real good ballclub," Hinson said. "They have so many weapons and they are deep, so eventually the pace they set will wear you down.

"I am proud of our kids for fighting hard and playing for the championship."

Smith and Ali Armstrong combined to hit 6-of-7 free throws in the final frame but the Lady Cougars hit seven field goals to close it out and claim the first place trophy.

Smith, Leverette and Ray were recognized as members of the All-Tournament team in a vote by the coaches after the game.